The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) today announced Michael Cassidy as the organization’s new board chairman. Cassidy, who currently serves as group publisher for the North American Media Group (NAMG), will work closely with RBFF leadership to meet its mission.

Cassidy has been on RBFF’s board of directors since 2007 and has more than 30 years of sales and marketing experience in the fishing and outdoor recreation industry.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Michael on the board during the last five years,” said RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson. “His extensive experience in sales and marketing, together with his dedication to RBFF and its stakeholders, will bring an invaluable perspective to the board as we work toward increasing boating and fishing participation nationwide.”

“It’s an honor to have been asked to serve as chair of the RBFF board,” said Cassidy. “Participation in boating and fishing is critical to the industry and to state conservation efforts that benefit from boat registrations and fishing license sales. I look forward to a productive and exciting time as we focus on further customizing and refining RBFF’s programs and products that engage consumers in the sport.”

Prior to NAMG, Cassidy was with The Walt Disney Company as their senior director of sales and sponsorship fulfillment for their ESPN Outdoors and BASS franchise. He proudly serves as a delegate representing the United States at the CIC International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation, and sits on the board of directors for the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust. Cassidy graduated from St. Thomas University with a M.P.S. master’s degree in professional studies executive management and a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership.

Officially elected at RBFF’s January 2012 board meeting in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Cassidy succeeds The Hammond Group chairman and CEO Ken Hammond.

Other new officers elected in January include:

• Vice Chairman – Chris Berg, BRP US (Outboard Engine Division)
• Secretary – Mike Hebert, Texas Marine
• Treasurer – Gregg Wollner, Normark Corporation

RBFF also recently announced two new members appointed to its board of directors by the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council (SFBPC):

Chris Edmonston, BoatU.S. Foundation

Dr. Kevin Hunt, Mississippi State University

“We welcome our new board members and look forward to working with them in the years ahead,” said Peterson.

A full list of RBFF board members is available on RBFF.org.